On the occasion of this year’s World IP Day theme ‘Women and IP: Accelerating Innovation and Creativity’, ECTA Head of Legal Affairs Anna Ostanina interviewed several incredible women coming from different countries and cultural backgrounds, working in diverse IP related roles, but who are united by the same passion for IP.

They share how they chose and navigated this dynamic environment and give valuable advice for those women who are starting or already are on the path of a career in IP. Enjoy reading HERE about the inspiring experiences of:

🌺Debbie Roenning, Director of the WIPO Madrid Legal Division (CH)

🌺Judge Vesna Tomljenović, General Court of the EU (LU)

🌺 Prof. Marie-Christine Janssens, Head of Unit, KU Leuven Centre for IT & IP Law (BE)

🌺Claudia Martinez Felix, Deputy Head of Unit, European Commission, DG GROW (BE)

🌺Virginia Melgar, Chairperson of the 5th Board of Appeal, EUIPO (ES)

🌺Deborah A. Hampton, Trade Mark Team Leader, Senior Trade Mark & Copyright Program Manager, The Chemours Company FC, LLC (USA)

🌺Anette Rasmussen, Partner, Attorney-at-law, AWA Denmark A/S, Past ECTA President (DK)

Today, we wish to celebrate at large all women involved in IP, and particularly those among ECTA members, whose active participation enriches our diverse and equal community. We thank you and feel proud to have you in our ECTA family!

We are also happy to share that the Diversity & Inclusion Task Force has been established within the ECTA Professional Affairs Committee, with the aim to further promote diversity and inclusion in our association by monitoring and analysing ECTA’s efforts in this regard, providing input on possible initiatives and events to enhance awareness and inclusivity, as well as advising on any D&I issues within ECTA raised by any member.

Happy World IP Day! 🌺